German NH90 Experiences Flare Malfunction in Afghanistan

The flare dispensing system of one of the four German NH90 helicopters deployed to Afghanistan did not work properly on 11-12 April, the Bundeswehr announced today. During a flight to test the system on 12 April, flares could only be fired from one side of the helicopter, so the crew decided for security reasons to land in Mazar-e-Sharif.

Photo: Bundeswehr/Rudolfi

Germany has had four NH90 helicopters in Afghanistan for forward air medical evacuation since last April. The helicopters operate in pairs, with the second helicopter's board gunner providing protection of the medical evacuation helicopter.